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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Chromecast bulks up on content with support for Disney, Twitch, iHeartRadio

Google hasn’t welched on its promise of a Chromecast app explosion following the release of the device’s SDK kit to developers last February. In the past few months the device has seen exponential growth in its library, and the hits just keep on coming. Today, Google announced its latest Chromecast additions, which include three new Disney apps, as well as apps for iHeartRadio, DramaFever, and the gaming site, Twitch.

Opening the Disney vault may be the most welcome new feature for Chromecast owners with a brood of kids to satiate. They’ll be able to access content from Watch Disney, Watch Disney Junior, and Watch Disney XD. Live streams of Disney Channel shows, and on-demand access to recent episodes will also be available, though users will need to have a correspondent TV provider.

Hosting up to 60 million gamers, the addition of Twitch will allow users to watch streams from some of the top pros in the world in certified gaming competitions, as well as casual gamers. And music lovers will appreciate the addition of iHeartRadio, which joins other services like Songza, and Pandora.

DramaFever is a lot less familiar, filed under the category of “niche” apps for the popular dongle. However, with over 15,000 episodes of International dramas from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Latin America, those looking for something decidedly different than the average U.S. or BBC fare may want to give the service a spin.

All of the new apps are compatible with both iOS and Android, and join other recent additions, including NPR, to give the most affordable streaming device on the block another boost.